Financial fortunes can change as swiftly as a team’s performance in the world of college football coaching. The career of Butch Jones is evidence of that erratic nature. Jones used to command multi-million dollar compensation at Cincinnati and Tennessee, but now he leads Arkansas State for a much smaller salary of $825,000 annually.
After a 2-10 season in 2021, his contract was renewed despite the decline in wages, which sparked controversy but demonstrated the program’s long-term confidence in his ability to lead. Even while his present compensation is insignificant compared to his prior earnings, his financial history—which includes an incredible $8.26 million buyout from Tennessee and total career profits exceeding $30 million—tells a far more compelling tale.
Butch Jones – Bio, Salary, and Coaching Career Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Lyle Allen “Butch” Jones Jr. |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1968 |
| Age | 56 years old |
| Birthplace | Saugatuck, Michigan, USA |
| Current Position | Head Coach, Arkansas State |
| Annual Salary (Arkansas State) | $825,000 |
| Previous Salaries | $4.86M (Tennessee), $1.3M (Cincinnati), $35K (Alabama Assistant) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $15 million |
| Total Career Earnings | Over $30 million (including buyouts) |
| Career Record as Head Coach | 95-80 (FBS) |
| Arkansas State Record | 11-26 (2021-Present) |
| Bowl Game Record | 4-3 |
Reference: USA Today College Football Salaries , Instagram
From Tennessee’s $4.86 million to Arkansas State’s $825,000
Jones’ pay history is marked by sharp fluctuations. He was one of the highest-paid coaches in the SEC from 2013 to 2017 while he was at Tennessee, earning close to $5 million a year. Before that, from 2010 to 2012, he made a good $1.1 million to $1.3 million year at Cincinnati.
But after he was fired from Tennessee in 2017, his pay took a surprising turn. In 2018, he agreed to take a low-paying assistant position at Alabama, which paid only $35,000. This was a calculated decision because a modest salary allowed him to maximize Tennessee’s $8.26 million buyout payments, which were still being made.
Although his $825,000 salary when he was hired as head coach of Arkansas State in 2021 was a substantial decrease from his Tennessee contract, it was a reflection of the realities of running a Group of Five program as opposed to a Power Five juggernaut.
Tennessee’s Purchase: How Jones Made Money Despite Getting Fired
Jones’ Tennessee buyout was one of his greatest financial bounties. The Volunteers continued to pay him $8.26 million in monthly installments until he was fired in 2017. That amount could only be decreased if he accepted another high-paying position, which is why he accepted a $35,000 position at Alabama.
This implied that he was working under Nick Saban for pennies in comparison for almost four years while collecting Tennessee’s buyout checks. His increased pay was a financial afterthought rather than a requirement because he had already amassed millions by the time he joined Arkansas State in December 2020.
An Unexpected Extension of Contract at Arkansas State
Arkansas State gave Jones a one-year contract extension without raising his pay, even though they finished 2–10 in 2021. Dr. Chuck Welch, president of the university, defended the choice by pointing to Jones’s attempts to restore discipline and culture inside the school.
Despite having a dismal record (11-26 over three seasons), he has shown some signs of improvement at Arkansas State. In 2023, the squad had their best record since he took over, going 6-7. Winning seasons may be imminent given the administration’s faith in his long-term goals.
How Much Has Butch Jones Made During His Career as a Coach?
College football can be extremely profitable, especially for teams that land big buyouts, as seen by Jones’ coaching salary history. Jones has made an estimated $24.7 million in salary alone since 2010. His overall career earnings surpass $33 million when the $8.26 million buyout from Tennessee is taken into account.
Estimated Total Career Earnings (2010-2024):
- Central Michigan (2007-09): ~$900,000 total
- Cincinnati (2010-12): ~$3.5 million total
- Tennessee (2013-17): ~$19 million total
- Alabama (2018-19): $35,000 annually
- Arkansas State (2021-Present): ~$3.3 million total
- Tennessee Buyout (2017-2021): $8.26 million
Long-term agreements, buyouts, and calculated career decisions have all contributed to his $15 million net worth.
Coaching Record: Achievement or Difficulty?
Jones has had both success and setbacks as a coach. His tenures at Tennessee and Arkansas State have been less reliable, despite his achievements at Central Michigan and Cincinnati.
Career Record as Head Coach:
🏆 Central Michigan (2007-09): 27-13
🏆 Cincinnati (2010-12): 23-14
🏆 Tennessee (2013-17): 34-27
🏆 Arkansas State (2021-Present): 11-26
✅ Overall Record: 95-80
✅ Bowl Game Record: 4-3
He won two Big East Championships and was voted Big East Coach of the Year twice during his best coaching tenures at Central Michigan and Cincinnati.
However, he is still having trouble making Arkansas State competitive after his disappointing spell at Tennessee.
What Will Happen to Butch Jones Next?
Jones is under increasing expectation to have a successful season after spending three seasons at Arkansas State. Although his contract renewal indicates that the management still has faith in him, he could lose his position if he has another poor season.
Jones may rekindle his career and possibly land another Power Five coaching position if he can turn the program around. Otherwise, he might have to modify his expectations and stay in the Group of Five coaching ranks for some time to come.
FAQs About Butch Jones’ Salary and Career
1. What is Butch Jones’ current salary?
Jones earns $825,000 per year as the head coach at Arkansas State.
2. What was his highest salary as a coach?
His peak salary was $4.86 million in 2013 at Tennessee.
3. Did Jones receive a buyout from Tennessee?
Yes, Tennessee paid him $8.26 million after firing him in 2017.
4. What is Butch Jones’ net worth?
Jones’ estimated net worth is $15 million as of 2024.
5. How much has he earned in total salary?
Jones has made approximately $33 million, including salaries and buyouts.
